Teen temptations.

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS - Brief article

When teens want to drink, they seem to be able to get alcohol. And often, adults supply it. A number of states are cracking down on these adults by taking away their driver's licenses if they are caught giving alcohol to underage drinkers.

In general, underage drinking has declined since the '70s, but it's still a serious problem. In 20-02, 19.6 percent of eighth graders were current users of alcohol (used within the past 30 days). As kids get older, the frequency and intensity of drinking increases. Almost three-quarters of seniors in high school report having drunk in the past year and almost half are current drinkers.

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Consumption often leads to dangerous behavior. Programs to combat kids' drinking are many, but new efforts are targeting the adults who, directly or indirectly, supply alcohol to teens.

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